28 Weavers Nationwide Join Batch Hinabi Under DOST-PTRI’s NC II Upright Handloom Weaving Scholarship Support Program
The Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI), in partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), is hosting the 2nd Batch of the NC II for Upright Handloom Weaving Scholarship Support Program from July 15 to 18, 2025.
Known as Batch Hinabi, this group of weaver-scholars represents the second wave of the national certification program, which aims to strengthen the skills and recognition of Filipino handloom weavers. A total of 28 participants from across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao are undergoing assessment to become certified under TESDA’s NC II qualification for upright handloom weaving.
The training and assessment are being conducted at the newly launched Philippine Handloom Weaving Center—a dedicated learning and innovation space under DOST-PTRI that supports the development and advancement of the local handloom weaving industry.
Participating Communities – Batch Hinabi
Luzon- San Jose Multi-purpose Cooperative – Ilocos Region
- Dream Weavers of Upper Surong – Ilocos Region
- Mapita Indigenous People Livelihood Association – Ilocos Region
- Bulbulala Loom Weavers Association – Cordillera Administrative Region
- Maricel’s Loom Weaving and Manufacturing – Cordillera Administrative Region
- Buhi OTOP Key Players Association – Bicol Region
- Kaunlaran para sa Kultura at Kalikasan, Inc. – National Capital Region
- Barangay Tan-awan Farmer’s Weaving Association of Negros Nine – Negros Island Region
- Bagtason Loom Weavers Association – Western Visayas
- Miag-ao Weavers Association – Western Visayas
- Iguirindon Loomweavers Association – Western Visayas
- Klowil Kem Libon Ong, Inc. – SOCCSKSARGEN
- Kenhulung Handicraft Federation Inc. – SOCCSKSARGEN
- Balungis Women’s Association – SOCCSKSARGEN
- Sultan Kudarat United Inaul Weavers Association – BARMM
- Aflamel Blaan SLP Association – Davao Region
- Tribal Handicrafts Makers Association – Davao Region
Participants of Batch Hinabi are also eligible to pursue Trainers Methodology I (TM I) Certification from TESDA. This qualifies them to become trainers and assessors, further empowering them to contribute to workforce development and the continued growth of the local handloom weaving industry.
This initiative is a key component of DOST-PTRI’s FRONTIER Program and Textile Academy, which promotes knowledge sharing, skills upgrading, and collaborative capacity-building in support of a sustainable and innovative Philippine textile sector.
